Chapter Nine-Finding Merlin

Henry paced nervously around the deck. The air of expectation was weighing him down. Reflexively he glanced up at his Grandma in the crow's nest. She was still scanning their surroundings. His Mom was still at the wheel. Even in becalmed seas Killian insisted someone always be at the helm.

"How is it going, Lad?"

Not surprised Killian had managed to sneak up on him Henry barely managed not to jump before he turned around. "Nothing yet." He let his voice trail off, looking back out to sea.

Killian squeezed his shoulder. "You feel it too."

Even though it was not a question Henry nodded.

"Ship in the distance!" Mary Margaret called down to them.

"Wake the others then take the wheel," Killian ordered him before joining Mary Margaret in the crow's nest.

By the time he was finished Ruby had taken Killian's place in the crow's nest. "Done," he announced, starting for the wheel.

Killian dropped a hand on his shoulder. "Stay here. I am going to have David take the wheel." He raised his voice so Regina could hear him at the helm. "Your Majesty, I need you to protect David."

She nodded stepping to the side as David took the wheel. Once everyone, except Rumpelstiltskin was gathered Killian moved them all closer to the helm so David and Regina could hear him without him projecting his voice. "We have three ships coming at us from three different directions. They intend to box us in."

Looking out to sea, straining to see the ships Henry asked, "Can we outrun them?

It was a moment before Killian answered; Henry could almost see the options turning over in the Captain's mind. When this was all over he wanted a chance to sit down and listen to Killian explain his thought processes. "Most likely, but we need some answers." He looked at Emma and Regina then raised his spyglass to check the position of the incoming ships. When he was done he handed the spyglass to Henry. "I think we let them catch us. They most likely think we are sitting ducks stuck in their trap." He smirked. "They will not expect a magic user aboard and especially not three of them."

Regina maintained her position next to David. "They may have magic, depending on their knowledge of other realms."

Eyes still on the horizon Killian nodded. He turned to Victor. "Make sure the Crocodile knows to stay below. I do not want him on deck." He glanced at those around him. "I do not want them boarding this ship. When they toss over grappling lines they are to be cut immediately. I want to keep our magic under wraps until it is needed." With a flick of his hand, the movement shielded from view by Emma and Henry's bodies, a sheathed short sword appeared in his hand. "Here Lad."

In his surprise Henry almost dropped the spyglass. He carefully closed it and tucked it into his pocket, staring at the extended sword. Sure he had been practicing but he had never expected to be given his own sword so soon. His grandparents and Mom always told him later. "For me?"

With a smile at his surprise Killian lifted his arm and placed the sword in his hand. "You have the skill to wield it and the responsibility to know when to." His gaze moved to Regina, then David, then Mary Margaret. Regina released a breath but did not argue David nodded his agreement; Mary Margaret looked like she was going to object but Belle stepped in front of her and she subsided. "I will need to go to the ship and I want Henry to accompany me."

Mary Margaret quickly stepped around Belle. "That is too dangerous. He is too young!"

Ignoring her Killian glanced from Emma to Regina. Henry, beside him, all but holding his breath. He turned pleading eyes on each of his mothers. He could do this. He knew it.

Regina bit her lip against her instinctive 'no'. Determinedly she kept her eyes away from Henry's begging gaze. This was part of supporting Killian in his fight against the Darkness. Once she was sure her voice was under control she snapped, "Explain." She reminded herself firmly that Killian would never knowingly endanger Henry.

"As the Captain I need to go. I want you and Emma, as the magic users, to stay on the Jolly. Henry is the one I trust most with the skills I need at my side. And he will be underestimated."

Forcing herself to take deep breaths Regina reluctantly nodded her agreement. She did not want to allow this but made herself trust the Pirate's judgment. "Protect him," was all she said.

His answering nod was solemn. "With my life." Once again his eyes turned to the rest of the crew, evaluating. "Lady Snow I need you to get your bow and arrows and join Ruby in the crow's nest. Keep the weapon out of sight and an eye on Lady Red. She will let you know when and if you are needed. Take down the Captains and the helmsmen of the ships Henry and I are not on." His gaze moved to Emma and Regina. "If I signal you you are too get the ship out of danger. Do not worry about Henry and I. Victor stay out of sight unless called, we cannot risk our doctor being injured. David, Ursula and Emma you are on the grappling lines. Belle I need you to take the wheel, just keep the wheel where David has it, if needed Emma will know the course." His eyes met hers. "Can you handle it?"

With a deep breath she nodded. On her way to the helm she stopped to congratulate Henry and admire his sword. David stepped away to make room for her and Regina took her place at Belle's side, knowing her job was to protect the helmsman. It was not natural for her to just follow orders with no input, but she was forcing herself to do so. At sea Killian did have the most knowledge and experience. He would not allow any harm to befall Henry. He was observant enough to know how to place his crew to maximize their abilities. She would trust his knowledge, and just keep reminding herself of that when worry for Henry entered her thoughts. As the ships closed she took a step closer to Belle and allowed her magic closer to the surface.

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Mary Margaret was finding it hard to keep her attention on the two ships flanking them. She wanted to be watching Killian talking to the other ship's captain and be sure Henry was okay. Unfortunately despite the stillness of the air she could not hear what was being said. After placing her targets she glanced quickly down at the deck. Killian was at the rail still talking to the captain of the other vessel, Henry at his side. David and Emma were at either end of the ship, Ursula next to Killian, all three with daggers out and sliced lines visible against the other ships hull. As two more lines were thrown and cut Hook's already confident and commanding demeanor straightened even more. Aware of the quick glance he shot her she hurriedly forced her attention back to the other ships. There was still nothing happening. "What is going on?" She asked Ruby.

"Keep an eye on the other ships, they are counting on you to warn them if the other ships start getting ready to toss grappling lines and I will tell you." She waited for Mary Margaret's verbal agreement before continuing. "They've dropped a board; Killian and Henry are going aboard the other ship. Henry is behind and to the left of the Captain, his eyes looking around the ship."

With a shake of her head she kept her attention riveted on the other ships. "I do not like Henry being placed in that much danger," she couldn't stop herself from commenting. "You, David or Ursula could have accompanied him."

It was a few moments before Ruby answered. "Killian is the Captain. We need to trust that he knows what he is doing."

"I'm trying," she whispered. "I'm trying."

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Henry stood at Killian's shoulder his stomach clenched in both excitement and fear. He could not believe they had let him actually step onto a potential enemy ship. A quick glance around showed that all the attention was focused on Killian, he was receiving only a few cursory glances. His attention was wandering. Determinedly he forced his attention to remain on the crew. Killian was depending on him and trusted him to watch his back.

"Why are you here?" the other captain was saying.

Killian shrugged. "A portal dropped us here twice and now the sea is becalmed. Where exactly are we?"

The other captain ignored the question. "You are flying no colors."

"The colors I would fly are not from this realm. I would not want to give the wrong message."

"We will need to search your ship and then will escort you to our ruler."

For a moment Henry hesitated before speaking, but he knew Killian had brought him for a reason. "King Arthur?" he asked, allowing excitement into his voice.

There was a minute shifting in a couple of the crew. "Silence," Killian demanded, shooting him a quick glare. But there was pride in his eyes not disappointment.

Suppressing his grin Henry glanced down at the deck in submission and apology. He could do guileless. "Sorry," he muttered under his breath.

Killian turned his full attention back to the captain. "We will accompany you to Camelot, but I am not going to give permission for you to board my ship."

The captain did not bother to deny they were in Camelot. "You will not be able to leave this area without our escort. And even if you do manage to escape these becalmed seas you will never find the Kingdom without our escort."

Killian's stance did not change. "You are not going to board my ship," his voice was implacable.

The other captain's eyes narrowed. "You will not be able to stop us. I have three ships with full crews. Your one ship does not even have a full complement. The Evil Queen cannot protect you, Captain Hook." He turned to his crew, signaling them forward. "The boy will remain here while you escort me around your ship."

Killian's stance did not change, but his voice hardened even further and he took a step back so he was beside Henry. "You will not touch the boy or my ship. You would do well not to overstep your bounds." His hand moved to Henry's shoulder, squeezing a quick message.

"The boy will be safe in my quarters," the captain stated calmly. "Take him," he ordered the crew.

Henry felt a last, reassuring squeeze of his shoulder before he was torn away from Killian's side. Playing his role he allowed himself to be pulled away, pretending to be scared. Casting a quick glance over his shoulder he saw Killian's eyes narrowing in anger as he stepped toward the captain, seemingly ignoring the crewmen still surrounding him before he was shoved below. Unceremoniously he was shoved into the Captain's Cabin. "Stay here and behave yourself. Provided your captain has the good sense to behave you will be returned. If not we will find a place for you."

Careful to maintain his role of petrified boy Henry nodded slowly, wrapping his arms around himself as though in fear. Quietly he wished the officer away. He had a job to do and was not sure how long it would be before Killian retrieved him. As soon as the door closed and the lock clicked Henry dove for the desk searching for and stacking all the charts he could find.

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Despite everything in her crying out against it Emma threw up a shield between the Jolly Roger and the other ships. When Henry was dragged below only Killian's quiet reassurance kept her from attacking. Her other half knew what he was doing. She trusted him.

"What is he doing?" Regina hissed under her breath.

Emma shook her head. "I don't know but Killian knows what he is doing. He is not worried about Henry." Suddenly she felt and saw Killian tense with anger.

Before the Dark fed anger from her mate could overwhelm her she heard Belle's voice from behind her, commanding obedience. "Do what is necessary to protect the Jolly Roger and crew. Follow your original plan." A quick glance showed Belled with the Dagger outstretched as she held the wheel with one hand.

Deep inside Emma felt a wave of relief, not sure if it was hers or Killian's. She pushed the ships away, feeling Killian help her as Regina created wind in the Jolly's sails. A moment later Killian poofed to the deck, Henry in his arms holding a handful of rolled papers. Immediately he dropped to the deck, flipping through what she now saw were charts as Killian took the wheel, Belle hurriedly stepping back.

"North, northwest," Henry told him.

As soon as Henry spoke Killian turned the wheel and the ship increased speed. A quick glance over the side showed the sea was still unmoving. Emma glanced back at Killian, he was deep in concentration. Needing to help she focused on her magic, helping Regina to fill the sails. She laid a hand on his shoulder and felt his magic linking with hers.

Giving her a quick smile Killian looked up at the crow's nest. "Lady Red?"

"No one in sight," she called down.

Henry had rerolled the charts and rose. "Now what?" he asked.

"Are you up for taking the wheel for a while longer?" When David started to step forward to volunteer Killian gave a quick shake of his head. "Until we clear this glass sea it needs to be Henry or myself at the wheel. The Jolly Roger will respond to either of us, but no one else."

Not even glancing around Henry stepped to the wheel, sliding the Dagger Belle had just returned to him, into his inside coat pocket. "No problem." He wanted to crow about his successful trip to the other ship but he wanted to process the experience first.

Killian stepped back, taking the charts from him. "Lady Red," he called. "I could use your help." He turned to Regina. "Care to accompany us your Majesty?"

Clearly torn between her desire to stay with Henry and demanding answers she gave a curt nod after a moment.

"David I need you to keep watch with your Lady Wife. Alert us at the sight of anything." He turned back to Belle. "I fear we are going to need to include the Crocodile."

As soon as they were below deck, out of Henry's earshot Regina whirled to face Killian, her anger apparent. "Why the hell did you let them take my son from you?!"

Killian stepped around her, entering the galley. "He was never truly away from me." He spread a couple of charts on the table, nodding to the others to be seated as Belle entered with Rumpelstiltskin and Victor.

Victor took a quick look around at those present. "I will go above so if the conditions warrant Henry can join you."

Eyes scanning the charts as Victor left Killian continued answering Regina. "Henry was never beyond my senses." He looked up to meet the former queen's gaze. "I initially did not plan to let him leave my side, but the captain's reaction to him and Henry's actions altered my plan."

Slowly Regina sat down. "Explain," she requested in a calmer voice.

At Killian's quick glance Ruby began talking. "Wolf senses," she reminded everybody to start with. "When they first went over the Captain seemed just curious and Henry's attention was on the ship, not the conversation."

"I plan to discuss that with him but in this instance it worked in our favor," Killian commented, most of his attention on the charts. His hand seemingly charting a course.

When he did not go on Ruby continued. "Henry had just refocused on the conversation when the captain's attitude changed. He became a lot more guarded and there was a hint of fear. Then Henry mentioned Arthur and he seemed almost," she hesitated, trying to find the right words. "Slyly happy," she finally decided on.

Killian pushed the charts away, nodding that he would take over but for her to add anything he missed. "Henry knew he was wrong to just blurt his guess out but again in this case it worked in our favor. The captain recognized Regina and myself. He admitted he would take Henry to his cabin. That was the best news I had heard."

"Why would they do that?" Belle asked. "I would think if they wanted to use him for leverage holding him prisoner would have been a better idea."

With a raised eyebrow and smirk Killian shook his head. "In most cases it would be. However they did not plan to use him for leverage but for information. Her Majesty's reputation as well as my own had the captain thinking I took Henry with me as fodder I would not mind losing. By treating him kindly Henry would be more apt to share information and turn on me when they informed him that he had been abandoned. I knew Henry would be smart enough to take advantage of his location." He waved at the maps. "I really needed these."

"That was a dangerous risk you took with my grandson's life," Rumpelstiltskin stated.

Killian's answering glare caused him to shrink back in his chair as Killian turned his hard glare around the table. Emma laid a hand on his back, leaning against him and his stance relaxed. "I would never risk Henry. If they had attempted any harm to him it would have been stopped." His voice promised Dark things to those who threatened the ones he loved. Emma's arm slipped lower around his waist. "It was a member of the crew's comment about keeping Henry that caused the Darkness to flare." He squeezed Emma's hand, giving her a small smile as the Darkness faded away. His eyes went back to the maps still spread out on the table. "These charts let me know where we can land."

Quietly Henry joined them. "The sea is normal," he announced. He looked at the charts briefly and then at Killian. "Won't they be expecting us? I mean the calm sea and three ships just happening upon us."

"They knew we were here," Ursula announced, joining them. She had checked the seas as soon as the other ships were pushed away. "If our first portal jump did not alert them, the second would have." She glanced from Killian to Regina and back again. "Once they recognized Captain Hook and the Evil Queen their course was set. They based their responses on your past reputations. A fact Killian used to play them." She smiled around her. "The sea life has become rather more informative. They do not like the calmed seas."

"That is why we are going to use a smaller side dock," Killian informed them. "It should hopefully give us more time to get the lay of the land and possibly a smaller responding force. Although I would not count on that."

Rumpelstiltskin was scowling at him. "Now you have upset them and proven us an enemy. We will be treated as foes."

After taking a moment to suppress her frustration Regina glared at him. If he was annoying her she did not want to know what he was doing to the Dark Ones' nerves. "As soon as Killian and I were recognized they were going to see us as enemies. And once they realized Rumpelstiltskin was with us they would have been even more on guard against us."

"I'm powerless now," he whimpered.

"They don't know that," Regina shot back. "Besides that doesn't change the fact that you did steal from them. Now be a good little coward and shut up until your opinion is requested." Her attention turned back to Killian, who was smirking at her put down of his Crocodile. "Once we land," she prompted.

With a quick nod he straightened, releasing some of the tension he had been holding. "First we will need you to cloak the ship." At Regina's surprised look he exchanged a quick glance with Emma. "The Dark One magic may be stronger but the whole point of coming here is to defeat the Darkness." He took a deep breath, slowly releasing it, clearly struggling internally with his next words. "Which means I lose the magic completely and Emma's goes back to her innate Light magic. We may not be able to undo the spell if we return."

For a moment silence filled the galley as Emma and Killian leaned into each other. The support between them almost visible. Emma was the first to break the silence, but she did not move away from Killian. "Then we head toward Camelot, between the three of us we should be able to protect our group. We do need Merlin to find us."

Killian turned his attention to Rumpelstiltskin. "That is why we need you to tell us what kind of defenses we should expect." When he started to prevaricate Killian held up a hand. "I-we have vague impressions of Camelot," he said, nodding to Emma. "You need to give us more specifics. I know you have them." The look in his eyes turned vindictive. "I could reach into your mind and find my answer but that would be," he paused, sinisterly gleeful, "messy."

A look of fear crossed Rumpelstiltskin's face and he shrank back as far as he could from the Pirate. Quickly he glanced around but nobody moved to protect him or quell the Pirate. He began talking, resentment and fear in every line of his body and voice.

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As he walked with his family Henry found his hand straying near to his new sword. Part of the reason was he could not believe he had been allowed to keep it. However both Killian and his Grandpa had put him through his paces in front of his mothers. He could tell both Emma and Regina had been surprised by his skill level. Reluctantly they had allowed him to keep it as long as he was accompanied by a trained adult. The other reason was just plain nerves. While a part of him had been scared when he was in Isaac's alternate world a good portion of him had been excited. That had been his chance to be the hero, to prove himself worthy of being in his family. This was different. His eyes kept getting drawn to his mom and Killian walking in front of him arms around each other. Their lives and sanity hung in the balance. If they did not succeed there was a very good possibility that they would carry the Darkness forever. Always having to fight and stay on guard or accept allowing someone else to have the means of completely controlling them. It was not until they had been walking for more than an hour when he finally realized what the true difference was. In Isaac's book he had a complete and total belief that everything would work out in the end. His family would triumph and everything would go back to normal. He no longer had that idealistic belief. And it hurt.

Emma turned around to face him, her arm shifting to hold Killian's hook. "Are you okay?"

He knew his answering smile was weak as he nodded his head. "Just some nerves. I will be okay." He hoped his mom would not dig deeper for a more in depth answer. Even more than he didn't want to be sent back to the ship or coddled: he did not want Emma or Killian to feel guilty or blame themselves for his lack of belief.

After a searching look she nodded. In her eyes was the knowledge that he had not told her the full truth but that she trusted him to tell her if it became necessary. At her quiet confidence in him Henry felt his hand rest easier on his sword. Somehow things would work out he thought as she turned back around, leaning back into Killian. A love like theirs could not fail.

"We have company coming," Killian announced, stopping.

Henry found himself pushed toward the center of a newly formed circle with Victor, Belle and Rumpelstiltskin. "How many?" David asked eyes focused in front of him, scanning his section of forest.

When he turned to face his mom and Killian he could almost see the former Pirate reaching out with his senses. After a minute he shook his head. "Quite a few."

It was a tense five minutes of waiting for the group to reach them. Henry found himself clenching and releasing his sword hilt. He did not dare draw it while surrounded by his family. As he stood there he wondered if he could actually stab or kill a real person. This was so different from his lessons. Unbidden an image of his grandpa stabbing Killian in the other reality flooded his memory. The pain on Killian's face and the way he bonelessly slid to the ground and was still. A hand landed on his shoulder and he looked up in surprise to meet Killian's eyes. "Killian?"

He crouched down slightly so they were eye level. "We are going to try our best to keep this from becoming a fight. If it does all we expect you to do is your best. We are all here to protect you and each other. No matter what happens not one of us will judge you." He kept his voice low so it did not carry to the others unless they were trying to hear.

"I just-"Henry cut off, not sure what or how to explain his muddled feelings.

The hand on his shoulder tightened. "The waiting is always the hardest part. When the time comes trust your instincts. I would not have given you the sword and your grandfather would not have taken on your mothers if we did not both believe in you. Trust in us and trust in yourself."

Feeling somewhat more settled Henry nodded with a weak smile. Killian smiled back, squeezing his shoulder once more before turning back around. Henry took a step closer to them as riders came into view. A small corner of his mind cataloguing the details and he could almost feel the prose of a story beginning. Determinedly he ignored the Author part of his mind. He could deal with the Story later. Right now the young man who loved fairytales and was fascinated by knights felt the excitement of watching armored knights from Camelot, CAMELOT! approaching him. He wanted this meeting to go well, better than the one with the ships. These were Camelot knights. He wanted Camelot to live up to its reputation.

The knights spread out to encircle them, forty in total. Only the leader dismounted to stop in front of Killian and Emma. "Where is your escort?" The voice demanded compliance.

"We have no escort," was Killian's prompt reply. "Are we in need of one?" His hooked arm slipped around Emma's waist.

For a moment the knight just watched him. "I am Sir Percival. Yes, anyone entering our realm requires an escort. For their safety and ours. We will need you to follow us to the castle." He looked their party over. "I will need to collect your weapons. You will get them back before you depart our realm."

"No," Killian's reply was instant and irrefutable. "We will gladly accompany you, but we shall retain control of our only means to defend ourselves. This is an unfamiliar realm. If just being here necessitates an escort it cannot be a reasonable idea to go about unarmed."

Percival just looked at him. "Both an escort and surrender of weapons is a requirement. We will take care of any protection needed. Since you have obviously slipped from your original escort precautions must be taken." He took a step forward. "Perhaps if you tell me what truly happened to your prior escort an exception can be made."

Rumpelstiltskin pushed forward, careful to stay behind Emma. "They seek Merlin. They need their Dark Powers taken. They rid themselves of the ships sent to escort them."

The knights surrounding them all drew their weapons. Henry was aware of his family becoming more watchful as Killian turned his head to hiss at his Crocodile. "Silence."

Clutching his throat Rumpelstiltskin backed away from him. Belle grabbed his arm and planted him next to her. "Do not move," she ordered in a low, fury filled voice.

Percival had also drawn his sword. "What did you do to them?" he demanded.

Stance stiffening Killian took a step forward, Emma shifting slightly to accommodate the new position. "They are still safely afloat." His eyes narrowed and his tone became sharper. "Perhaps if they had not attempted to kidnap our lad or search my ship unwarranted their escort may have been accepted.

"The King's Navy would NOT kidnap an innocent."

When Killian answered there was a hint of an ancient pain and disillusionment in his voice. "A King's Navy may do many things under orders of their royalty. I will always see to the safety of my crew."

Percival took a step closer so they were almost nose to nose. "You will accompany us and you will surrender your weapons."

When Killian looked back at Emma Henry was surprised to see a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Shall we?" he asked.

Emma's answering smile was almost gleeful. She stepped up even with him, her smile turning coquettish as she faced Percival. "I think you should join your friends since you are so anxious to find out the location of our initial escort." She and Killian raised their arms and turning in a half circle the knights all disappeared. "Return home," Emma whispered to the horses.

Henry was looking all around him. "Did you really send them to the ships?"

Turning Emma's smile widened. "Of course. They wanted to know where they were."

Regina just shook her head. "You know they are just going to keep sending more troops and they are going to get more aggressive. Your power is not unlimited," she reminded the now embracing couple.

Slinging her bow over her back Mary Margaret stepped up to the pair. "We might have been able to talk to them, convince them to help us. There is no need for us to be enemies."

Not bothering to break her hug with Killian Emma replied. "They had no intention of allowing us to accompany them as friends. We were to be prisoners, unarmed prisoners at that. Did you forget they tried to kidnap your grandson?"

Still determined to reach her daughter, to keep her from the Darkness Mary Margaret took another step forward. "Only because they recognized Captain Hook and the Evil Queen. We could have explained. Even if they did not believe us about them changing sides the rest of us could still be free. Allowing us to convince them of our words."

Aware of the short fuse that Emma and Killian were most likely running on David took a step forward, pulling Mary Margaret back into his arms. "Regina does have a point about them continuing to send knights after us."

Slowly Killian raised his head from Emma's. "I actually expect Merlin to eventually show up. That is our ultimate goal."

Henry was watching them closely, sensing there was something they were not saying. "The Blue Fairy," he suddenly blurted. At the puzzled looks everyone except Emma and Killian, and after a thoughtful moment, Regina were giving him Henry rolled his eyes. "After we freed the fairies from the hat she said, or wanted to know why we were looking for the Sorcerer. I got the idea that trying to find him was not something to be done on a whim or always a good thing."

Not liking the increased tension she was feeling from the Dark Ones Belle stepped forward. "It is getting late and has been a long day. Maybe we should think about setting up camp." She glanced at Rumple, still huddled behind her. "Should we send him back to the ship?"

With no hesitation Killian shook his head. "If the Jolly is found Ursula is going to have her hands full with protecting her. She does not need to be worrying about what kind of under handed tricks the Crocodile will be trying to pull." Ursula had offered to stay with the ship since even with Regina's protection spell Killian was leery of leaving it unattended. She had said it made sense for her to stay since her magic was water based. To everyone's surprise, except Killian's Rumpelstiltskin had wanted to accompany them. His suspicions verified Killian had just shrugged his agreement. No matter what his private agenda was he'd had no intention of allowing the Crocodile to remain on his ship. With a wave of his hand Killian released the silencing spell, stepping closer. He did not like the amount of delight he felt at seeing Rumpelstiltskin trying even harder to hide behind Belle and Victor. He forced himself to take a step back, reaching behind him and felt Emma take his hand, squeezing it reassuringly. The Dark settled back to its uneasy waiting. They needed to find Merlin and get, hopefully, a solution. "Let's get moving. We can stop at the first reasonable place."

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The sky was darkening with storm clouds when they stopped for the night. Ruby quickly volunteered her and Snow to scout the immediate vicinity. "I wanted to talk to Emma," Mary Margaret immediately protested. "My daughter needs me."

At the familiar refrain Ruby stopped and turned to face her best friend. Someone had to get through to her before she drove Emma completely to the Dark. "The last thing Emma needs at the moment is her mother trying to make decisions for her."

Mary Margaret huffed out an annoyed breath. "Why does no one believe me when I say Emma asked us to rid her of the Darkness?"

"It is not that we don't believe you," Ruby immediately protested. "It is how far you are taking that request that is hurting rather than helping Emma. I do not want you to lose your daughter when this is all over."

"I know how I handled the Dagger was not the most thought out-"

Ruby interrupted her. "I was not talking about the Dagger situation, or not only about that. Emma is a grown woman; she does not need you to make decisions for her." As Snow started to protest Ruby held up her hand. "I do not mean the Darkness. You have a tendency to discount her life experiences in favor of your own. You two are approximately the same age."

They were silent a few minutes as they walked. "Her life has had so much tragedy and so little love. I just want her to have Hope and see the good things in life. I fear she and Hook will only bring out the negative in each other or become too reliant on each other."

"You mean Killian will bring out the negative in Emma," her voice held no accusation only a simple statement. "Did you ever think that maybe he brings out the best in her? Killian loves her and will do anything for her. That includes calling her out when necessary."

Mary Margaret adjusted the bow on her shoulder. "That should be my job. I am her mother."

Ruby's next words were spoken softly but the pain they brought could not be muted. "But you did not get to raise her. You were her friend first and that is a good place to start. I love Granny and will always respect her opinions but this is my life. As hard as I know it is for her she knows I have to live my own life and while she can give me advice or question my choices it is still ultimately my decisions. We are actually becoming rather good friends."

Looking at her feet Mary Margaret nodded. "I will think about your words. I am trying to be a mother and a friend."

Knowing this was the best result she could hope for Ruby began walking again, all her senses reaching out to the woods surrounding their small clearing.

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It was silent as they set up camp. The first thing Killian and Emma did was put a warning spell around the small clearing they had found. They did not want to risk a fire so just ate some of the supplies they had brought with them. As soon as they finished eating Killian and Emma retreated to their shelter, wrapping themselves up together. Sitting beside Regina Henry couldn't stop watching them. After a few minutes he rose, pulling a book out of his backpack. "I'll be right back."

"Hey, Kid," Emma looked up from Killian when he approached, shifting to a sitting position. "What can we do for you?"

Hesitantly he held out the book he was carrying. "I wanted to give you this. It is a history of the Dark One." He swallowed hard, making himself maintain eye contact. "You are not like the other Dark Ones." Not waiting for an answer he retreated back to Regina's side.

"What was that about?" she asked.

Henry wrapped himself in his blanket. "Mom and Killian are struggling with the Darkness. I think they are afraid they are giving in. That book should show them they are a long way from going Dark."

His mom's answering smile was proud. "You are a great kid. You should try and get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long day."

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When Henry left Emma waved her hand, throwing up a blurring screen in front of her and Killian. She looked down at the book in her hand. "I am almost afraid to look." Her gaze moved up to Killian. "I can feel the Darkness more. It is stronger. The magic comes easier."

His arms pulled her in closer. "You know Henry would never do anything to hurt you or weaken us in our fight against this Darkness." Shifting so they were sitting side-by-side he opened the book in her lap.

By the time they finished everyone else had gone to sleep. Emma slammed the book shut, trying not to toss it away. The stories were horrifying. Even those who had started with the best of intentions quickly gave into the Darkness. And the acts they were forced to commit at the bidding of those who held the Dagger. She reminded herself that she could trust Henry. He would never do anything to hurt them. He was good and full of love.

"Henry would never condone let alone order us to do any activity we would be opposed to." Killian shifter her so she was sitting on his lap. "It does show quite clearly that we have not given in to the Darkness."

Resting her head on his shoulder she pushed the book across the shelter. "I think that was why he gave it to us."

Allowing the others their sleep the two Dark Ones remained wrapped up in each other, senses alert for anyone approaching. "Killian?" Emma asked as dawn was just starting to light the sky.

The Pirate did not need Emma's softly spoken words to know someone was approaching. "I know." Rising to their feet they quickly roused the others.

"How many?" David asked.

"Several," was Killian's immediate reply. He was silent a moment, appearing to concentrate. "There is something different about these ones. Something that is setting my senses on edge."

Shifting so she was leaning completely on Killian Emma nodded. She suppressed a shudder. "I do not like this feeling at all."

Before anyone could say anything twenty knights entered the clearing. Immediately on the defensive the group fanned out, moving in front of Henry, Victor, Belle, and Rumpelstiltskin.

"No need for those," an unarmored and unarmed man of indeterminate age with graying brown hair stepped into the clearing. With a wave of his hand their weapons disappeared.

Immediately Emma waved her own hand and the knights were unarmed. "It is only fair that we are on an even footing," Killian explained, shifting so he and Emma were side-by-side, his left arm around her waist.

The knights immediately started forward but the magic user held up his hand, stepping closer. His eyes were trained on Killian and Emma. "I do not understand this. How do you both carry Darkness?"

Regina took a step forward, careful to stay behind and to the side of the Dark Ones. "Perhaps a better question is who are you? And what makes you think they both carry Darkness?"

The questions seemed to only amuse the man in front of them. "I recognize the Darkness because I am the one who tethered it to a person and the Dagger. As to whom I am," his gaze moved to Henry for a moment. "I believe you already know who I am, young man." With a flourish he bowed. "Welcome to Camelot. I am Merlin."

A/N: Getting close to the end. My goal is to finish before Season 5 starts. Thank you for reading and reviewing